Music Trade Review
Issue: 1882 Vol. 5 N. 23 - Page 16
380
Music Trade Review
-- ©
mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com
-- digitized
with support from
July namm.org
5th, 1882.
THE
MUSICAL
CRITIC AND TRADE
REVIEW.
"No, sir; even if the wood is most thoroughly ill articles within its special sphere. In some of
masoned and every detail taken care of, it will still he fellow-craft, of tlis textile and mechanical per-
iheck. It is my opinion that the rosewood itself suasion, their delineation of machinery and new
His NEW FACTORY NEARLY COMPLETED — OVER
might be classed among the fine arts, and
ontains a substance or substances, say of a chem- nventions*
heir descriptions partake more of the care and
20,000 PIANOS IN USE—CHARACTERISTICS
cal nature, that precipitates checking. I can find ilaboration
of the essay than that of the mere pass-
10 other tangible reason for the phenomenon. ng record.
OF THE INSTRUMENTS.
n other woods it does not appear, as far as my In this particular they are not only useful for val-
GABLEE has experienced lately a ixperience goes. I have never seen it in walnut able information to the general reader, but in
>raotical hands often load to the invention of new
much greater demand for his grand, square, >r mahogany."
Do you think these or other woods can be abor-saving improvements. In short, by his genius,
and upright pianofortes than he has been able to
)rain, and indefatigable energy, the trade journ-
supply, and has consequently been obliged to ubatituted for rosewood?"
" I do not; and here let me say that I differ list has earned a deservedly high rank among the
build extensive additions to his factory in East
)rain toilers of the world, and has made himself
Twenty-secon d street. The factory and warerooms, omewhat with the writer of the first article I re- ndispensable to that exceptionally intelligent por-
which will soon be finished, will be Nos. 214 to ^rred to. I do not think any substitute can at tion of the community which he serves so well.—
224 East Twenty-second street, and will afford resent take the place of rosewood. Such a Exchange.
every facility for the manufacture of pianos. The ubstitute will not come into general use, as the
whole building, which is six stories high, has a ublic has been educated up to rosewood, especi-
illy for pianos. And should even an imitation be
frontage of 150 feet, and is 100 feet deep.
The new factory is built on lots which have applied, which, for all practical purposes, excels
been the property of Mr. Gabler over twenty osewood in every respect, the purchasers would
years, and the factory hitherto occupied by the till adhere to rosewood. Of course, the checking
THE MELBOURNE EXPOSITION.
firm is eighteen years old. Mr. Gabler will intro- msues in nearly every instance, and the pur-
duce twice as much machinery as he has been shasers blame the manufacturer, who is entirely
HE "Blutlmer" grand piano, which received
using up to the present time, in order to meet the nnocent."
a first award at the Melbourne Exposition,
' 'Did you ever detect any peculiarities or differ- ,vas constructed on the "American system of cast-
lively demand for his pianos.
ence
in
the
checking,
Mr.
Gmehlin?"
iron frame and overstringing," says the jury re-
Mr. Gabler will make every part of his pianos,
"Yes, sir; there are differences. Some woods port.
and expects to turn out sixty to seventy pianos a
heck
by
a
process
of
peeling,
and
others
again
Also "Bord," of Paris, who adopted the same
week.
spreading. When it seems to peel, as it were, system, received a first award; and "Thibout,"
"With my increased manufacturing facilities," by
said Mr. Gabler recently to a representative of like small-pox pimples, then the veneering itself using the same system, received a second award.
'Biese," of Berlin, "shows a good instrument,
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE BEVIEW, " I can s bad; and when it spreads, I have no hesitation
make pianos even better than ever before—as good in saying that the process takes place on account ;arefully made on the American principle." He
instruments as can be made in this city or.else- of the inherent condition of the rosewood, assisted eceived a first award. This piano was an upright.
by the glue and atmospheric influences."
In commenting on the report, the London Mu-
where. "
"How does the varnish affect the wood?"
ical Opinion and Music Trade Review says:
Mr. Gabler added that he would employ 300
'Varnish
has
very
little
to
do
with
it.
You
can
to 400 men, according to the demands of business. put on one coat or ten coats; that does not affect,
On looking over the report one is struck with the
Being asked about the sales of the Gabler piano, or prevent, or induce checking. I can tell you, number of French firms—and indeed of some
he replied: "The demand for my pianos is rapidly however, one fact which might help along your eminent English houses—who still keep to the
increasing, and when everything is in working inquiry. After checking has taken place and been wooden framing of their instruments. No doubt
order, 1 am confident of doing a good business. fully developed—remember, it must be fully de- hi.5 is done to obtain a more sensitive vibration and
Heretofore I have not been able to supply the de- veloped—then if these cracks and pores are filled t less metallic tone; but whether the plan of using
svood can much longer stand against the American
mand for my instruments, but in the future up by say three coats of varnish and then rubbed "notion"
iron frames—now so largely used in
I shall be better able to do so. I propose to make down, one or two coats of flowing varnish will England—is of open
to doubt. The natural and inevit-
more grands than ever, as I shall have more room then restore it to such a condition that no defects able tendency of things is to produce a powerful in-
for that purpose. There is also a lively demand will ever be noticed."
strument at as low a cost as posible; and therefore
for the Gabler upright, which will be pushed as
everything tending to reduce the prime cost will be
"We have heard it suggested that the veneers used. This is unavoidable. But although strength
vigorously as ever. I shall make a good many
s a powerful factor in the question, as is also price,
baby grands, or, rather, medium-sized grands, should first be scraped off."
"To scrape off the veneers before putting on the behind both of these is the question of "tone."
which have an excellent sale. These instruments
arnish would be the greatest mistake, because this
are very durable and have an excellent tone."
Does this mean that the "application of the
There are over 20,000 Gabler pianos in use, and thins the veneers, while varnish on the checked American notion" has interfered with the produc-
veneers
protects
them
and
destroys
future
contin-
in addition to the demand for them in this coun-
tion of "tone"?
try, many orders are constantly being received gencies."
'As
careless
work
often
can
be
detected
in
ve-
from England, South America, Australia, Mexico,
etc. There is a greater demand than can be met neering, together with bad material, do you not
for the Gabler new scale square grand, full Agraffe think that more attention would prevent check-
ng?"
throughout, three strings.
"The fault often lies with the workmen, who
Mr. Gabler employs the best mechanics, and has
SMITH AMERICAN ORGAN CO.,
on hand a stock of first-class and well seasoned are often careless; but in my expression of
materials, which are invariably selected by him- opinion, I refer only to real good work and the
BOSTON, MASS.
self. The Gabler establishment is one of the best material that can be had; consequently no
The
manufacturing
department of this firm has
excuse
can
be
put
forward
on
the
score
of
bad
largest in the United States. The Gabler piano is
never been more active. The sales of the Kansas
one of the best known instruments in the country workmanship or poor material."
City branch far exceed anything that had been ex-
having been in the hands of the trade for many
pected. Mr. George T. McGlaughlin, who repre-
years—ever since 1854.
sents the company in Kansas City, was in Boston
Its characteristics are a full, pure tone, and
during the end of the past month, for the pur-
great durability, close attention being paid in the
pose of getting the. goods more rapidly, although
manufacture to all details of workmanship.
the firm have been trying their utmost to ship the
THE TRADE JOURNAL.
goods that had been ordered. The London house
r
T ' H E trade journal from its inception,about twenty- is extremely busy. We were informed at the
JL five years ago, has risen to a prominence in use office that the Smith American Organ Company
fulness little contemplated by the early workers in received the only gold medal awarded at the Mel-
this field of enterprise. Now, every city has one o bourne, Australia, Exposition, and the diploma ef
CHECKING.
more representative journals for every branch of its the first order of merit.
mercantile, and manufacturing inter
H E previous articles in this journal on thi commercial,
ests. Even in the smaller towns, at all connected
most important question for piano manufac with manufacturing industry, this now necessarj
turers have caused such wide-spread attention in means of mutual benefit exists. This is but anothe
the trade that THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRAD and very marked instance of the law of demand
BEVIEW will continue to publish the opinions o and supply.
the most able and experienced workmen and man
No wholesale merchant or manufacturer of th
SCARCITY OF IVORY.
ufacturers.
present day thinks of looking at the general news
We print with this issue the ©pinion of a gen paper for any information regarding his specialty I3BEDICTIONS are made in England that ivory
tleman who is well-known as one of the most ac He would as soon think of perusing the Bible or a AT will soon become so scarce that its use for
complished artisans in this country, whose expe copy of the U. S. Patent Reports of the year A. D piano keys, knife handles, and fans will be reserved
1800. And as for advertising, he wisely uses onlj for the rich alone. Of late there have been rapid
rience extends to all branches of the manufactur the
trade journal, having long ago learned the les advances in the London market price of this article,
ing department in piano construction—one who son that,
for beneficial results, he might as well pu
by dint of his excellent workmanship and origi his "ad" in the Koran or Tupper's Proverbial Phil the latest advance having been from $15 per hun-
dred-weight to $20, while another is talked of. Only
nality in invention, has gained an excellent repu osophy as in the ordinary newspaper.
tation.
To the regular newspaper the retail phase of ad eighty-one tons were offered at the last quarterly
We refer to Mr. Paul Gmehlin, of Behr Bros vertising still belongs, as to it the retail buyer re sale, against the 122 tons in April of last year.
fers. This advertising feature of the trade journal Of Cape ivory there has been a continued scarcity,
A Co.
"Checking cannot be prevented so long as rose in bringing the goods of the manufacturer am while of the west coast of Africa supply there is
wholesale merchant to the notioe of the wholesal now much less in hand than formerly. Stores in
wood veneers are used, no matter whether the ve
neer is sawed or split," said Mr. Gmehlin recen 1 buyer only, is an invaluable advantage long appre the London docks now amount to only 1553 tons,
compared with 213 tons for last year. One dealer
ly. "That is my opinion on this most interestin, ciated by all concerned.
There are some few fossils who neglect th.ii has just had invoiced to him no fewer than 522
question. I endorse nearly every word stated b; feature,
but
they
are
generally
suffering
from
busi
the Boston manufacturer, whose article appeare ness inertia, and as a consequence are retiring fron tusks, all of which he expected a fortnight ago to
in T H E MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE BEVIEW a few business, or belong to class seventy-six in the schoo dispose of by this time. These tusks represent
276 elephants. Facts like these are leading to a
issues ago. I have made all kinds of and constan of Bradstreet.
experiments in reference to the subject."
Another most desirable and advantageous featur renewal of the old predictions that the elephant
"Does not checking depend upon the conditio of the trade journal to the wholesale buyer is th will befere many years belong to the list of extinct
reliability of the market reports and price-lists o animals.
of the woods?"
ERNEST GABLER'S SUCCESS.
r
Music Trade Review
-- ©
mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com
-- digitized
with support from
July namm.org
5th, 1882.
THE
MUSICAL
CRITIC AND TRADE
REVIEW.
"No, sir; even if the wood is most thoroughly ill articles within its special sphere. In some of
masoned and every detail taken care of, it will still he fellow-craft, of tlis textile and mechanical per-
iheck. It is my opinion that the rosewood itself suasion, their delineation of machinery and new
His NEW FACTORY NEARLY COMPLETED — OVER
might be classed among the fine arts, and
ontains a substance or substances, say of a chem- nventions*
heir descriptions partake more of the care and
20,000 PIANOS IN USE—CHARACTERISTICS
cal nature, that precipitates checking. I can find ilaboration
of the essay than that of the mere pass-
10 other tangible reason for the phenomenon. ng record.
OF THE INSTRUMENTS.
n other woods it does not appear, as far as my In this particular they are not only useful for val-
GABLEE has experienced lately a ixperience goes. I have never seen it in walnut able information to the general reader, but in
>raotical hands often load to the invention of new
much greater demand for his grand, square, >r mahogany."
Do you think these or other woods can be abor-saving improvements. In short, by his genius,
and upright pianofortes than he has been able to
)rain, and indefatigable energy, the trade journ-
supply, and has consequently been obliged to ubatituted for rosewood?"
" I do not; and here let me say that I differ list has earned a deservedly high rank among the
build extensive additions to his factory in East
)rain toilers of the world, and has made himself
Twenty-secon d street. The factory and warerooms, omewhat with the writer of the first article I re- ndispensable to that exceptionally intelligent por-
which will soon be finished, will be Nos. 214 to ^rred to. I do not think any substitute can at tion of the community which he serves so well.—
224 East Twenty-second street, and will afford resent take the place of rosewood. Such a Exchange.
every facility for the manufacture of pianos. The ubstitute will not come into general use, as the
whole building, which is six stories high, has a ublic has been educated up to rosewood, especi-
illy for pianos. And should even an imitation be
frontage of 150 feet, and is 100 feet deep.
The new factory is built on lots which have applied, which, for all practical purposes, excels
been the property of Mr. Gabler over twenty osewood in every respect, the purchasers would
years, and the factory hitherto occupied by the till adhere to rosewood. Of course, the checking
THE MELBOURNE EXPOSITION.
firm is eighteen years old. Mr. Gabler will intro- msues in nearly every instance, and the pur-
duce twice as much machinery as he has been shasers blame the manufacturer, who is entirely
HE "Blutlmer" grand piano, which received
using up to the present time, in order to meet the nnocent."
a first award at the Melbourne Exposition,
' 'Did you ever detect any peculiarities or differ- ,vas constructed on the "American system of cast-
lively demand for his pianos.
ence
in
the
checking,
Mr.
Gmehlin?"
iron frame and overstringing," says the jury re-
Mr. Gabler will make every part of his pianos,
"Yes, sir; there are differences. Some woods port.
and expects to turn out sixty to seventy pianos a
heck
by
a
process
of
peeling,
and
others
again
Also "Bord," of Paris, who adopted the same
week.
spreading. When it seems to peel, as it were, system, received a first award; and "Thibout,"
"With my increased manufacturing facilities," by
said Mr. Gabler recently to a representative of like small-pox pimples, then the veneering itself using the same system, received a second award.
'Biese," of Berlin, "shows a good instrument,
THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE BEVIEW, " I can s bad; and when it spreads, I have no hesitation
make pianos even better than ever before—as good in saying that the process takes place on account ;arefully made on the American principle." He
instruments as can be made in this city or.else- of the inherent condition of the rosewood, assisted eceived a first award. This piano was an upright.
by the glue and atmospheric influences."
In commenting on the report, the London Mu-
where. "
"How does the varnish affect the wood?"
ical Opinion and Music Trade Review says:
Mr. Gabler added that he would employ 300
'Varnish
has
very
little
to
do
with
it.
You
can
to 400 men, according to the demands of business. put on one coat or ten coats; that does not affect,
On looking over the report one is struck with the
Being asked about the sales of the Gabler piano, or prevent, or induce checking. I can tell you, number of French firms—and indeed of some
he replied: "The demand for my pianos is rapidly however, one fact which might help along your eminent English houses—who still keep to the
increasing, and when everything is in working inquiry. After checking has taken place and been wooden framing of their instruments. No doubt
order, 1 am confident of doing a good business. fully developed—remember, it must be fully de- hi.5 is done to obtain a more sensitive vibration and
Heretofore I have not been able to supply the de- veloped—then if these cracks and pores are filled t less metallic tone; but whether the plan of using
svood can much longer stand against the American
mand for my instruments, but in the future up by say three coats of varnish and then rubbed "notion"
iron frames—now so largely used in
I shall be better able to do so. I propose to make down, one or two coats of flowing varnish will England—is of open
to doubt. The natural and inevit-
more grands than ever, as I shall have more room then restore it to such a condition that no defects able tendency of things is to produce a powerful in-
for that purpose. There is also a lively demand will ever be noticed."
strument at as low a cost as posible; and therefore
for the Gabler upright, which will be pushed as
everything tending to reduce the prime cost will be
"We have heard it suggested that the veneers used. This is unavoidable. But although strength
vigorously as ever. I shall make a good many
s a powerful factor in the question, as is also price,
baby grands, or, rather, medium-sized grands, should first be scraped off."
"To scrape off the veneers before putting on the behind both of these is the question of "tone."
which have an excellent sale. These instruments
arnish would be the greatest mistake, because this
are very durable and have an excellent tone."
Does this mean that the "application of the
There are over 20,000 Gabler pianos in use, and thins the veneers, while varnish on the checked American notion" has interfered with the produc-
veneers
protects
them
and
destroys
future
contin-
in addition to the demand for them in this coun-
tion of "tone"?
try, many orders are constantly being received gencies."
'As
careless
work
often
can
be
detected
in
ve-
from England, South America, Australia, Mexico,
etc. There is a greater demand than can be met neering, together with bad material, do you not
for the Gabler new scale square grand, full Agraffe think that more attention would prevent check-
ng?"
throughout, three strings.
"The fault often lies with the workmen, who
Mr. Gabler employs the best mechanics, and has
SMITH AMERICAN ORGAN CO.,
on hand a stock of first-class and well seasoned are often careless; but in my expression of
materials, which are invariably selected by him- opinion, I refer only to real good work and the
BOSTON, MASS.
self. The Gabler establishment is one of the best material that can be had; consequently no
The
manufacturing
department of this firm has
excuse
can
be
put
forward
on
the
score
of
bad
largest in the United States. The Gabler piano is
never been more active. The sales of the Kansas
one of the best known instruments in the country workmanship or poor material."
City branch far exceed anything that had been ex-
having been in the hands of the trade for many
pected. Mr. George T. McGlaughlin, who repre-
years—ever since 1854.
sents the company in Kansas City, was in Boston
Its characteristics are a full, pure tone, and
during the end of the past month, for the pur-
great durability, close attention being paid in the
pose of getting the. goods more rapidly, although
manufacture to all details of workmanship.
the firm have been trying their utmost to ship the
THE TRADE JOURNAL.
goods that had been ordered. The London house
r
T ' H E trade journal from its inception,about twenty- is extremely busy. We were informed at the
JL five years ago, has risen to a prominence in use office that the Smith American Organ Company
fulness little contemplated by the early workers in received the only gold medal awarded at the Mel-
this field of enterprise. Now, every city has one o bourne, Australia, Exposition, and the diploma ef
CHECKING.
more representative journals for every branch of its the first order of merit.
mercantile, and manufacturing inter
H E previous articles in this journal on thi commercial,
ests. Even in the smaller towns, at all connected
most important question for piano manufac with manufacturing industry, this now necessarj
turers have caused such wide-spread attention in means of mutual benefit exists. This is but anothe
the trade that THE MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRAD and very marked instance of the law of demand
BEVIEW will continue to publish the opinions o and supply.
the most able and experienced workmen and man
No wholesale merchant or manufacturer of th
SCARCITY OF IVORY.
ufacturers.
present day thinks of looking at the general news
We print with this issue the ©pinion of a gen paper for any information regarding his specialty I3BEDICTIONS are made in England that ivory
tleman who is well-known as one of the most ac He would as soon think of perusing the Bible or a AT will soon become so scarce that its use for
complished artisans in this country, whose expe copy of the U. S. Patent Reports of the year A. D piano keys, knife handles, and fans will be reserved
1800. And as for advertising, he wisely uses onlj for the rich alone. Of late there have been rapid
rience extends to all branches of the manufactur the
trade journal, having long ago learned the les advances in the London market price of this article,
ing department in piano construction—one who son that,
for beneficial results, he might as well pu
by dint of his excellent workmanship and origi his "ad" in the Koran or Tupper's Proverbial Phil the latest advance having been from $15 per hun-
dred-weight to $20, while another is talked of. Only
nality in invention, has gained an excellent repu osophy as in the ordinary newspaper.
tation.
To the regular newspaper the retail phase of ad eighty-one tons were offered at the last quarterly
We refer to Mr. Paul Gmehlin, of Behr Bros vertising still belongs, as to it the retail buyer re sale, against the 122 tons in April of last year.
fers. This advertising feature of the trade journal Of Cape ivory there has been a continued scarcity,
A Co.
"Checking cannot be prevented so long as rose in bringing the goods of the manufacturer am while of the west coast of Africa supply there is
wholesale merchant to the notioe of the wholesal now much less in hand than formerly. Stores in
wood veneers are used, no matter whether the ve
neer is sawed or split," said Mr. Gmehlin recen 1 buyer only, is an invaluable advantage long appre the London docks now amount to only 1553 tons,
compared with 213 tons for last year. One dealer
ly. "That is my opinion on this most interestin, ciated by all concerned.
There are some few fossils who neglect th.ii has just had invoiced to him no fewer than 522
question. I endorse nearly every word stated b; feature,
but
they
are
generally
suffering
from
busi
the Boston manufacturer, whose article appeare ness inertia, and as a consequence are retiring fron tusks, all of which he expected a fortnight ago to
in T H E MUSICAL CRITIC AND TRADE BEVIEW a few business, or belong to class seventy-six in the schoo dispose of by this time. These tusks represent
276 elephants. Facts like these are leading to a
issues ago. I have made all kinds of and constan of Bradstreet.
experiments in reference to the subject."
Another most desirable and advantageous featur renewal of the old predictions that the elephant
"Does not checking depend upon the conditio of the trade journal to the wholesale buyer is th will befere many years belong to the list of extinct
reliability of the market reports and price-lists o animals.
of the woods?"
ERNEST GABLER'S SUCCESS.
r
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).